ABOUT A1A
SEPTEMBER 2024
History Lesson...History Lesson....
A1A—The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show was born in 1991 when lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Jeff Pike invited drummer and harmonica player Scott Nickerson, founder of the first Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Club and Parrot Heads In Paradise, to join him in his already successful solo tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
The first Parrot Head Club, started by Scott Nickerson, was more than just your average club. Its members had to care deeply about charity work, community service, giving back, and Jimmy Buffett's lifestyle, attitude, and music. Being a stickler for detail, while writing the bi-laws, Scott consulted Jimmy's management and attorneys every step of the way to ensure that Jimmy and his team approved. When Scott joined Jeff to form A1A, the same amount of professional detail was constantly implemented.
In 1992, the band won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest for Margaritaville Records, bringing them to the attention of Jimmy Buffett and his organization. That same year, A1A was the first band to perform at and repeatedly headline for many years the annual Jimmy Buffett 'Meeting of The Minds' Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Convention and many other national landmark annual Parrot Head Events across the country. These performances laid the foundation for the fundamental considerable growth of the National Jimmy Buffett fan base through the Parrot Head Club community and the Tribute, Trop Rock, and Coastal Americana Music genres as they are today. There were no tribute shows in 1992, and due to the massive impact that A1A and the Parrot Head Clubs were having across the country, Jeff and Scott were granted the use of the name A1A - The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show through Jimmy and his management.
In 1993, A1A was invited to appear in Jimmy Buffett's MTV Video, 'Fruitcakes.'
In 1995, Jeff Pike performed "Cheeseburger In Paradise" with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band at Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was recorded and released as "Jimmy Buffett's Barometer Soup Radio Special." This show and Jeff's performance still receive regular rotation on Jimmy Buffett's "Radio Margaritaville" on SiriusXM Radio.
In 1998, A1A recorded their first live CD, "A1A Live." The CD was produced by Jimmy Buffett's bass player, Jim Mayer, and featured performances by Jimmy's long-time harmonica player, Greg "Fingers" Taylor. That same year, Jimmy Buffett Coral Reefer Band Members Michael Utley and Robert Greenidge performed with A1A during their headline performance at the Meeting Of The Minds (The Annual Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Convention) in Key West, Florida. A1A introduced a future Trop Rock star to the world at that same show: a young 14-year-old steel drum player and songwriter named John Patti.
In 2001, A1A recorded their second live CD, "A1A and Friends—Live at Hemingway's." This CD featured Amy Lee, then Jimmy Buffett's saxophone player.
Two years later, in 2003, the band released their first CD of original Trop Rock music, "Ship Happens!!!" During its 33-year history, A1A has played to countless high-profile clients and large venues nationwide. Due to their ever-growing popularity, the band continues to draw large numbers of Parrot Heads and fans nationwide.
The late Jimmy Buffett and members of his band, the late Greg "Fingers" Taylor, Mac McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Amy Lee, Nadirah Shakoor, and Tina Gullickson, have all performed with A1A over the years. Greg "Fingers" Taylor and saxophonist Amy Lee were featured on the band's first two live CDs, and Greg was a member of A1A for several years and performed many shows with the band.
Scott Nickerson left the band in 2004 for personal, business, and health reasons. He relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he still resides and performs with local Trop Rock Musicians nationwide.
Upon Scott's departure in 2004, Jeff decided to grow the band and show from the duo they had been since their inception into a much larger performing ensemble utilizing the finest dedicated musicians and audio engineers available.
In 2008, A1A released their second CD, "Beachwrecked." One of Jeff's original songs from Beachwrecked, entitled "The Steller Song Lines (In Memory of The Steller Sea Cow)," was featured in an educational CD issued by the national Save The Manatee Club.
In 2009, Mac McAnally and Nadirah Shakoor chose A1A as Nadirah's backup band to help promote her Mailboat Records Release, 'Nod To The Story Teller.'
In 2011, the band sold out two consecutive nights at the historic Strand Theater in Marietta, Georgia. The two shows were recorded and released as their third live album, "Road To Paradise." An original song entitled "Hey Margarita" was included on that album, which helped bring them to the attention of Hollywood Producer Kirk Jones.
In 2012, Jimmy Buffett and his personal assistant, Mike Ramos, were instrumental in landing A1A in the Lions Gate Major Motion Picture Release, 'What to Expect When You're Expecting.' The band recorded Jimmy's classic, 'Why Don't We Get Drunk,' which was included in the movie and on the soundtrack released by Capitol Records.
In 2016, A1A was honored to be requested to perform with Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally as their band in a private performance for State Dignitaries and some of Jimmy's personal friends at The Masters Open in Augusta, Georgia. A1A closed out 2016 at The Labor Day End of Summer Beach Bash for The Washington State Fair with Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, and Uncle Kracker.
Today, the band's popularity continues to grow, and with Jimmy Buffett's devastating passing in September 2023, their mission, show, and presence are evermore critically important. The commitment, energy, musicianship, excitement, and continuous honest dedication to preserving Jimmy Buffet's legacy that has always surrounded a Jeff Pike and A1A performance are an experience and a driving force that has helped the band remain the first, foremost, and longest-running Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show in history.
A1A-Live.com
Linktr.ee/jeffpikeanda1a
Let A1A make your concert, festival, private, or corporate event an experience that people will be talking about for a long time to come - Contact Us Today.
History Lesson...History Lesson....
A1A—The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show was born in 1991 when lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Jeff Pike invited drummer and harmonica player Scott Nickerson, founder of the first Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Club and Parrot Heads In Paradise, to join him in his already successful solo tribute to Jimmy Buffett.
The first Parrot Head Club, started by Scott Nickerson, was more than just your average club. Its members had to care deeply about charity work, community service, giving back, and Jimmy Buffett's lifestyle, attitude, and music. Being a stickler for detail, while writing the bi-laws, Scott consulted Jimmy's management and attorneys every step of the way to ensure that Jimmy and his team approved. When Scott joined Jeff to form A1A, the same amount of professional detail was constantly implemented.
In 1992, the band won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest for Margaritaville Records, bringing them to the attention of Jimmy Buffett and his organization. That same year, A1A was the first band to perform at and repeatedly headline for many years the annual Jimmy Buffett 'Meeting of The Minds' Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Convention and many other national landmark annual Parrot Head Events across the country. These performances laid the foundation for the fundamental considerable growth of the National Jimmy Buffett fan base through the Parrot Head Club community and the Tribute, Trop Rock, and Coastal Americana Music genres as they are today. There were no tribute shows in 1992, and due to the massive impact that A1A and the Parrot Head Clubs were having across the country, Jeff and Scott were granted the use of the name A1A - The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show through Jimmy and his management.
In 1993, A1A was invited to appear in Jimmy Buffett's MTV Video, 'Fruitcakes.'
In 1995, Jeff Pike performed "Cheeseburger In Paradise" with Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band at Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia. The show was recorded and released as "Jimmy Buffett's Barometer Soup Radio Special." This show and Jeff's performance still receive regular rotation on Jimmy Buffett's "Radio Margaritaville" on SiriusXM Radio.
In 1998, A1A recorded their first live CD, "A1A Live." The CD was produced by Jimmy Buffett's bass player, Jim Mayer, and featured performances by Jimmy's long-time harmonica player, Greg "Fingers" Taylor. That same year, Jimmy Buffett Coral Reefer Band Members Michael Utley and Robert Greenidge performed with A1A during their headline performance at the Meeting Of The Minds (The Annual Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Convention) in Key West, Florida. A1A introduced a future Trop Rock star to the world at that same show: a young 14-year-old steel drum player and songwriter named John Patti.
In 2001, A1A recorded their second live CD, "A1A and Friends—Live at Hemingway's." This CD featured Amy Lee, then Jimmy Buffett's saxophone player.
Two years later, in 2003, the band released their first CD of original Trop Rock music, "Ship Happens!!!" During its 33-year history, A1A has played to countless high-profile clients and large venues nationwide. Due to their ever-growing popularity, the band continues to draw large numbers of Parrot Heads and fans nationwide.
The late Jimmy Buffett and members of his band, the late Greg "Fingers" Taylor, Mac McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Amy Lee, Nadirah Shakoor, and Tina Gullickson, have all performed with A1A over the years. Greg "Fingers" Taylor and saxophonist Amy Lee were featured on the band's first two live CDs, and Greg was a member of A1A for several years and performed many shows with the band.
Scott Nickerson left the band in 2004 for personal, business, and health reasons. He relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he still resides and performs with local Trop Rock Musicians nationwide.
Upon Scott's departure in 2004, Jeff decided to grow the band and show from the duo they had been since their inception into a much larger performing ensemble utilizing the finest dedicated musicians and audio engineers available.
In 2008, A1A released their second CD, "Beachwrecked." One of Jeff's original songs from Beachwrecked, entitled "The Steller Song Lines (In Memory of The Steller Sea Cow)," was featured in an educational CD issued by the national Save The Manatee Club.
In 2009, Mac McAnally and Nadirah Shakoor chose A1A as Nadirah's backup band to help promote her Mailboat Records Release, 'Nod To The Story Teller.'
In 2011, the band sold out two consecutive nights at the historic Strand Theater in Marietta, Georgia. The two shows were recorded and released as their third live album, "Road To Paradise." An original song entitled "Hey Margarita" was included on that album, which helped bring them to the attention of Hollywood Producer Kirk Jones.
In 2012, Jimmy Buffett and his personal assistant, Mike Ramos, were instrumental in landing A1A in the Lions Gate Major Motion Picture Release, 'What to Expect When You're Expecting.' The band recorded Jimmy's classic, 'Why Don't We Get Drunk,' which was included in the movie and on the soundtrack released by Capitol Records.
In 2016, A1A was honored to be requested to perform with Jimmy Buffett and Mac McAnally as their band in a private performance for State Dignitaries and some of Jimmy's personal friends at The Masters Open in Augusta, Georgia. A1A closed out 2016 at The Labor Day End of Summer Beach Bash for The Washington State Fair with Tim McGraw, Kid Rock, and Uncle Kracker.
Today, the band's popularity continues to grow, and with Jimmy Buffett's devastating passing in September 2023, their mission, show, and presence are evermore critically important. The commitment, energy, musicianship, excitement, and continuous honest dedication to preserving Jimmy Buffet's legacy that has always surrounded a Jeff Pike and A1A performance are an experience and a driving force that has helped the band remain the first, foremost, and longest-running Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show in history.
A1A-Live.com
Linktr.ee/jeffpikeanda1a
Let A1A make your concert, festival, private, or corporate event an experience that people will be talking about for a long time to come - Contact Us Today.
Featuring:
Jeff Pike – Founder, Lead Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Eric Baumgartner – Musical Director, Keyboards and Background Vocals
Steve McRay - Keyboards and Background Vocals
Aretta Baumgartner - Background Vocals
Adena Brumer - Background Vocals
Olivia Ivey - Background Vocals
Lisa Manulli - Background Vocals
Chris Blackwell - Lead Guitar
Rick Meeder - Bass Guitar
Jeff Brewer - Bass Guitar
Wayne Viar - Drums and Percussion
Nico G. – Steel Pan Drums and Percussion
Sam Skelton - Saxophone
Brandyn Taylor - Saxophone
Rob Opitz - Trumpet
Chip Crotts - Trumpet
Zach Opitz - Trombone
Tommy Morfoot - A1A Pirate, Fun Monger
and Tom Foolery
Joseph Foe Davis - A1A Pirate, Flag Waver
Naughty Instigator and Pirate Grogg Maker
Christopher Schatz - Front Of House Engineer, Audio and Production Tech
Kathy Mullen – Business, Financial and Road Management
Stage Decoration and Hospitality Manager
Other Members Past and Present of The A1A Family
Ansley Segraves - Front Of House Engineer, Audio
and Production Tech
Vance Kelly - Audio Production, Staging, Front of House Engineer, Saxophone
Chad Stewart - Audio Production and Staging
Chaz McDonald - Audio Production, Staging, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Background Vocals
Nadirah Shakoor - Lead and Background Vocals
Rhyn Clark - Background Vocals
Jennifer Carrozza - Background Vocals
Taryn Carmona - Background Vocals
Dustin Cottrell - Keyboards
John Carrozza - Keyboards
Jarred Hamilton - Keyboards
Jody Worrell - Lead Guitar
Ivan Duke - Lead Guitar
Daniel Glozier - Lead Guitar
Koney Ferrell - Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Lap Steel and Background Vocals
James Cobb - Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer and Harmonica
Scott Nickerson - Harmonica, Drums, Percussion and Background Vocals
George Sandler - Drums
Scott Meeder - Drums
Joe Lee - Drums
Jack Jones - Drums
James Hammons - Percussion
Calvin Kelly - Percussion
Chris Otts - Saxophone
Paul Garrett - Trumpet
Todd Motter - Trumpet
Erin Cundiff - Trombone
Jeff Pike - Founder | Frontman | Lead Vocals | Acoustic Guitar
Jeff Pike is an accomplished vocalist, guitarist, pianist, entertainer and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. As a full time working musician for the past 30 years, Jeff is appreciated and respected by his listeners, fans and peers for both his skill of entertaining and his stellar musicianship. For years audiences have been continuously impressed by his improvisational skills and the variety of his musical knowledge. He is passionate, real, and cares about the audience – and the song. Always connecting with his audience through both his talent and his humor.
By 1989, Jeff had developed an enormous following in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia with his one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1991, along with percussionist and harmonica player Scott Nickerson, Jeff formed A1A. In 1992 Jeff and A1A won a Margaritaville Records-sponsored Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest. A1A was now officially born and Trop Rock History was made. As the first band ever to showcase a high energy concert composed of nothing except Buffett’s best songs spanning every era of his career, A1A became the only Tribute Band to be personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself. While countless other bands have followed in A1A’s wake, and even cited them as their main inspiration, A1A remains the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show.
As a Singer/Songwriter, Jeff has recorded 5 CD’ s of his own original music and produced 4 for other local Atlanta recording artists.
For more info visit Jeff's Official Website.
By 1989, Jeff had developed an enormous following in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia with his one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1991, along with percussionist and harmonica player Scott Nickerson, Jeff formed A1A. In 1992 Jeff and A1A won a Margaritaville Records-sponsored Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest. A1A was now officially born and Trop Rock History was made. As the first band ever to showcase a high energy concert composed of nothing except Buffett’s best songs spanning every era of his career, A1A became the only Tribute Band to be personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself. While countless other bands have followed in A1A’s wake, and even cited them as their main inspiration, A1A remains the first and foremost Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show.
As a Singer/Songwriter, Jeff has recorded 5 CD’ s of his own original music and produced 4 for other local Atlanta recording artists.
For more info visit Jeff's Official Website.
Kathy Mullen - Management, Booking and Direction
Kathy handles the business operations side of A1A and the coordination of various projects keeping A1A running smoothly and on track. Client relationships, stage decoration and show coordination are a big piece of her role. Managing finances goes into the strategic planning of the band while keeping growth in the forefront to create the future. Working with booking gigs through promoters and clients contacting A1A is a piece of management too. Oh yeah, doing her best to keep the band happy ranks high on the list!
Kathy had more than 35 years in a corporate environment lending her skills to make this an enjoyable experience. How did she land this role? Kathy's love and passion for A1A, along with her desire to step into a creative role, brought her to A1A. Kathy's skills that come in handiest and utilized the most are flexibility and problem-solving. She works well as the 'glue' behind the scenes!
Come out and join us for a great evening of Trop Rock music, dancing and fun!
Currently, Kathy is pursuing an ICF Certification in Executive Coaching to enhance her skill set.
Kathy's world shattered on 10.2.2018 when she lost her only child, Eric Mullen, to suicide. In response to Kathy's tragic loss, she left her corporate career, and together with Jeff Pike as co-founder, they founded Mullen's Miracles. Mullen's Miracles is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing individualized options, respective support systems, and support provisions to those on the edge, those assisting others in crisis, and for those that have lost a loved one to suicide. Kathy is committed to reducing the impact of suicide loss for others. Check out the current projects at www.mullensmiracles.org. We'd love your support!
Eric Baumgartner - Musical Director | Piano | Keyboards | BGV
Eric Baumgartner joined A1A in 2013 and brought both his vocal talents and his piano and keyboard skills to the band. He grew up near Cleveland, Ohio and made his way to Atlanta via Boston, Chicago, and Cincinnati. He holds degrees in Jazz Studies from Berklee College of Music and DePaul University. He has dozens of piano works published by the Hal Leonard Corporation, where he also serves as a staff orchestrator, arranger, and clinician. He has presented jazz educational workshops throughout the US, Australia, UK, and Germany and most recently had works published in Japan.
In addition to A1A Eric stays active playing in a variety of bands including the 10-piece Steely Dan tribute band, Aja. He has worked extensively in musical theater and received 2 Suzi Bass Theater Award nominations for his work in 2014. His wife, Aretta, is Educational Director for The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.
To learn more about Eric check him out at ericbaumgartner.com.
In addition to A1A Eric stays active playing in a variety of bands including the 10-piece Steely Dan tribute band, Aja. He has worked extensively in musical theater and received 2 Suzi Bass Theater Award nominations for his work in 2014. His wife, Aretta, is Educational Director for The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.
To learn more about Eric check him out at ericbaumgartner.com.
Chris Blackwell - Lead Guitar
Chris Blackwell is an Atlanta-based guitarist, song-writer, producer, and studio musician. Born into a family of musicians, Chris began playing guitar at the age of five on his grandfather’s Gibson J-50 acoustic and has been playing professionally since he was fifteen. Having grown up surrounded by a wide variety of musical influences, Chris has gone on to work in a multitude of genres such as rock, country, R&B, jazz, blues, gospel and others.
Throughout his career, Chris has played on stage or in the studio with many notable artists including Jennifer Holliday, Jimmy Buffett, T Graham Brown, Bo Bice, James Otto, Mac McAnally, Tommy Talton, Deborah Cox, John Berry, Lee Williams, Inoj, Chinua Hawk, The Rocktronix, The Gregg Allman Laid Back Legacy Band, A1A, Randall Bramblett and ABBA Mania to name a few...
Chris actively tours and performs with his own band. In addition, Chris also toured for 10 years with the the widely popular ABBA Mania – The Original from London’s West End, and performs regularly in the Atlanta area and still performs with the Mike Veal Band. His guitar work is featured on many albums, including four Billboard top 20 charting singles and on television and radio commercials.
Check out Chris Blackwell's Official Website
“If you first don’t succeed, don’t go skydiving” – Chris Blackwell
Throughout his career, Chris has played on stage or in the studio with many notable artists including Jennifer Holliday, Jimmy Buffett, T Graham Brown, Bo Bice, James Otto, Mac McAnally, Tommy Talton, Deborah Cox, John Berry, Lee Williams, Inoj, Chinua Hawk, The Rocktronix, The Gregg Allman Laid Back Legacy Band, A1A, Randall Bramblett and ABBA Mania to name a few...
Chris actively tours and performs with his own band. In addition, Chris also toured for 10 years with the the widely popular ABBA Mania – The Original from London’s West End, and performs regularly in the Atlanta area and still performs with the Mike Veal Band. His guitar work is featured on many albums, including four Billboard top 20 charting singles and on television and radio commercials.
Check out Chris Blackwell's Official Website
“If you first don’t succeed, don’t go skydiving” – Chris Blackwell
Rick Meeder - Bass Guitar
Rick Meeder started with A1A in 2008 and has brought a lifetime of skill and passion to the band. Rick is not only an extremely talented bass player but has years of experience in radio promotion working at the Legendary 96 Rock. Over the course of his career, Rick has played with many professionals, such as Producer Brendan O’Brien and Bruce Hampton. He also helped form the band 12th Night, opening for acts at the Fox Theater like Billy Thorpe. He has also played with the longtime Atlanta local band, The Running, New Age Jazz artist Elgin Wells, MTV Video Award winner, Nadirah Shakoor, and, in 2011, he was invited to perform on a Christmas tour with Mike Utley and Robert Greenidge of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band and Club Trini.
Rick worked as a session bassist for several years at Doppler, 12 Oaks Studio, Tree Studios and with many other independent artists. He has also had the privilege of playing worship at North Point Community Church for over 10 years.
“Helping make A1A the best it can be is my goal.” – Rick Meeder
Rick worked as a session bassist for several years at Doppler, 12 Oaks Studio, Tree Studios and with many other independent artists. He has also had the privilege of playing worship at North Point Community Church for over 10 years.
“Helping make A1A the best it can be is my goal.” – Rick Meeder
Wayne Viar - Drums | Percussion
Wayne joined A1A in 2009 as a drummer and percussionist. He resides in the Atlanta area yet works both in town and on the road performing with national and international acts. He can be heard on numerous independent and major label album releases and singles, including the Lions Gate film, ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’. He also provides music programming for producers, bands, schools, artists and corporate clients.
Wayne teaches part-time at George Walton Academy, a private school in Monroe, GA, and is an advocate for music education.
“My goal as an educator is to mix a fundamental curriculum with real-world experience. I want to provide students with the necessary skills to be successful as players – adept musicians – and not just follow trending academic philosophies and practices. (How about that for a loaded statement?!)” – Wayne Viar
Find out more about Wayne at wayneviar.com.
Wayne teaches part-time at George Walton Academy, a private school in Monroe, GA, and is an advocate for music education.
“My goal as an educator is to mix a fundamental curriculum with real-world experience. I want to provide students with the necessary skills to be successful as players – adept musicians – and not just follow trending academic philosophies and practices. (How about that for a loaded statement?!)” – Wayne Viar
Find out more about Wayne at wayneviar.com.
Nico G. - Pan Steel Drums | Percussion
Nico Gutierrez is a long time member of A1A. He has been performing since the age of 10, dedicating his life to studying drums, percussion, and the steel drum. Nico’s passion for music started with him following his father’s lead, who performed as a working drummer in New York City.
Nico has shared the stage with Quino of Big Mountain, The Rhythm Jets, and Caribbean Steel. He is performing full-time with A1A. When Nico isn’t on stage with A1A, since 1996 he has brought the magical tropical sounds of the steel drum to audiences across the country in his band, Caribbean Steel. Nico’s high energy performances continue through the last note of each show!
Nico has shared the stage with Quino of Big Mountain, The Rhythm Jets, and Caribbean Steel. He is performing full-time with A1A. When Nico isn’t on stage with A1A, since 1996 he has brought the magical tropical sounds of the steel drum to audiences across the country in his band, Caribbean Steel. Nico’s high energy performances continue through the last note of each show!
Aretta Baumgartner - Background Vocals
Aretta joined the A1A family in 2017, and is proud and delighted to provide backing vocals for this awesome group of music-makers! When not onstage with A1A, Aretta’s works as a puppeteer, mask performer, movement artist, actress, and arts educator.
She holds a BA in Theatre from Ashland University and an MA in Communication Arts from the University of Cincinnati. Aretta is the Education Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA (www.puppet.org) and also sings with AJA: A Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan (www.ajamusic.net).
"Try a little love and luck and you’ll get by!" - Aretta Baumgartner
She holds a BA in Theatre from Ashland University and an MA in Communication Arts from the University of Cincinnati. Aretta is the Education Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA (www.puppet.org) and also sings with AJA: A Tribute to the Music of Steely Dan (www.ajamusic.net).
"Try a little love and luck and you’ll get by!" - Aretta Baumgartner
Adena Brumer - Background Vocals
Originally from Montreal, Adena lived in Albuquerque, St. Louis, and the Twin Cities before moving to Atlanta. She happily goes back to the Twin Cities every December to perform in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” with the same cast who has performed it for the past 15 years. In Atlanta, she has performed with Stage Door Players, ART Station, and Theatre Emory. She has been on tour with “Almost Elton John”, has opened for the Little River Band, and sings with Wild Iris Rose (wildirisrosemusic.com), Rockin’ Train (rockintrain.com) and Clapton Comes Alive (https://www.facebook.com/claptoncomesalive/). Adena’s film and TV credits include “Sweet Magnolias”, “Bigger”, “ChampaignILL”, and "Sleepy Hollow". You can hear her on the podcast, It Came From The Bottom, which reviews the worst 100 movies on IMDb - she doesn't recommend ANY of them. Adena is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
Sam Skelton - Saxophone and Horn Section Leader
A native of Conyers, Georgia, Sam Skelton has been active on the Atlanta music scene for well over three decades. Mr. Skelton graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University with a degree in Jazz Studies. During his course of study at GSU, Sam was a Montgomery Music Scholar and a two-time fellowship recipient to the Aspen Music Festival. He continued his saxophone studies with Kenneth Radnofsky at Boston University in 1991 focusing on classical saxophone and music education. Other teachers include David and James "Dub" Hudson and Jeff Benedict.
As a woodwind doubler, Skelton is well versed in any genre of music. His grasp of saxophone, clarinet and flute has enabled him to remain very busy in live performance as well as in the studio.
Sam has performed and/or soloed with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony, The Atlanta Pops, The Peachtree Pops, The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and The Georgia Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous local high school and civic ensembles. He has had the privilege of performing with Quincy Jones, Tom Scott, Hugh Jackman, Shirley Jones, Col. Bruce Hampton, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Hal Crook, Jim Pugh, Chris Vadala, Mel Torme, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Kenny Rogers, Keiko Matsui, Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Francine Reed, David Pack, Buddy Greene, John Schneider, Michael Feinstein and Allen Vizzutti just to name a few. World Premiers include James Oliverio’s "Children of A Common Mother", Lee Johnson’s "Ora Pro Mi: Concerto for Winds Soloist" (clarinet, flute and soprano saxophone) and "Seaside Symphony" (clarinet and soprano saxophone soloist). Sam also played the premier recording of "Ora Pro Mi" and "Seaside Symphony" with the London Symphony Orchestra. New musical debuts include: The Prom, Harmony, Bull Durham, Tuck Everlasting, Becoming Nancy and Maybe Happy Ending
As a sideman on over 300 recordings, Sam remains very active in the studio and can be heard on recordings by such artists as: Elton John, December Radio, Jennifer Holliday, Babbie Mason, Howard Tate, Matchbox 20, Train, Edwin McCain, The Gap Band and The Ohio Players. Television and radio jingles include The Georgia Lottery, The Fox Theater Documentary, Glen Beck, The Weather Channel, The Travel Channel, Ford, The Cartoon Network, CNN, Nature’s Own, Popeye’s, Papa John’s and Turner South. Television appearances include In the Heat of the Night, Savannah and Sinbad’s Summer Jam II on HBO. GRAMMY nods include Howard Tate's "Rediscovered" for Best Contemporary Blues Album and Ted Howe's "Pinnacle" for Best Instrumental Solo (alto clarinet, yes, alto clarinet)
Sam is currently Director of Jazz Studies and Senior Lecturer in Saxophone at Kennesaw State University. He is also Artistic Director of GSO Jazz and GYSO Jazz. Sam served as Professor of Saxophone at Georgia State University from 1991 to 2004 and was Jazz Ensemble Director at Georgia Tech from 2002-2004 and Artist-in-Residence at The University of Georgia Jazz Department. He served as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at Furman University 2001-02. Professional associations include: The Jazz Educators Network, Georgia Music Educators Association, Georgia Association of Jazz Educators, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (voting member) and the American Federation of Musicians. For his contributions to the city’s cultural life, Atlanta Public Broadcasting named him a “Lexus Leader in the Arts” in 2003. Sam is proud to be a Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Artist.
As a woodwind doubler, Skelton is well versed in any genre of music. His grasp of saxophone, clarinet and flute has enabled him to remain very busy in live performance as well as in the studio.
Sam has performed and/or soloed with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Symphony, The Atlanta Pops, The Peachtree Pops, The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and The Georgia Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous local high school and civic ensembles. He has had the privilege of performing with Quincy Jones, Tom Scott, Hugh Jackman, Shirley Jones, Col. Bruce Hampton, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Hal Crook, Jim Pugh, Chris Vadala, Mel Torme, Joan Rivers, Bob Newhart, Kenny Rogers, Keiko Matsui, Brian Bromberg, Jeff Lorber, Francine Reed, David Pack, Buddy Greene, John Schneider, Michael Feinstein and Allen Vizzutti just to name a few. World Premiers include James Oliverio’s "Children of A Common Mother", Lee Johnson’s "Ora Pro Mi: Concerto for Winds Soloist" (clarinet, flute and soprano saxophone) and "Seaside Symphony" (clarinet and soprano saxophone soloist). Sam also played the premier recording of "Ora Pro Mi" and "Seaside Symphony" with the London Symphony Orchestra. New musical debuts include: The Prom, Harmony, Bull Durham, Tuck Everlasting, Becoming Nancy and Maybe Happy Ending
As a sideman on over 300 recordings, Sam remains very active in the studio and can be heard on recordings by such artists as: Elton John, December Radio, Jennifer Holliday, Babbie Mason, Howard Tate, Matchbox 20, Train, Edwin McCain, The Gap Band and The Ohio Players. Television and radio jingles include The Georgia Lottery, The Fox Theater Documentary, Glen Beck, The Weather Channel, The Travel Channel, Ford, The Cartoon Network, CNN, Nature’s Own, Popeye’s, Papa John’s and Turner South. Television appearances include In the Heat of the Night, Savannah and Sinbad’s Summer Jam II on HBO. GRAMMY nods include Howard Tate's "Rediscovered" for Best Contemporary Blues Album and Ted Howe's "Pinnacle" for Best Instrumental Solo (alto clarinet, yes, alto clarinet)
Sam is currently Director of Jazz Studies and Senior Lecturer in Saxophone at Kennesaw State University. He is also Artistic Director of GSO Jazz and GYSO Jazz. Sam served as Professor of Saxophone at Georgia State University from 1991 to 2004 and was Jazz Ensemble Director at Georgia Tech from 2002-2004 and Artist-in-Residence at The University of Georgia Jazz Department. He served as Visiting Professor of Saxophone at Furman University 2001-02. Professional associations include: The Jazz Educators Network, Georgia Music Educators Association, Georgia Association of Jazz Educators, National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (voting member) and the American Federation of Musicians. For his contributions to the city’s cultural life, Atlanta Public Broadcasting named him a “Lexus Leader in the Arts” in 2003. Sam is proud to be a Conn-Selmer and D’Addario Artist.
Erin Cundiff - Trombone
Erin Cundiff, who has always had a passion for music and performing, joined the A1A horn section in 2018. Erin began her musical life by studying piano as a child and then the violin at age 11. Through her musical search, Erin ended up on the trombone and has been playing for 15 years.
Erin studied music at the University of Georgia and was the trombone section leader of the Redcoat Marching Band. While at UGA, Erin also participated in various ensembles, including the wind ensemble, jazz band, and trombone choir. Erin was a middle school band director for two years at Loganville Middle School.
For the past 6 years she has been playing trombone professionally and teaching private lessons full time in the metro Atlanta area. Erin also plays regularly with several other bands, including the wedding/party band US Beat, Atlanta Beat, The 293 Band, local theaters, and church orchestras.
Erin studied music at the University of Georgia and was the trombone section leader of the Redcoat Marching Band. While at UGA, Erin also participated in various ensembles, including the wind ensemble, jazz band, and trombone choir. Erin was a middle school band director for two years at Loganville Middle School.
For the past 6 years she has been playing trombone professionally and teaching private lessons full time in the metro Atlanta area. Erin also plays regularly with several other bands, including the wedding/party band US Beat, Atlanta Beat, The 293 Band, local theaters, and church orchestras.
Rob Opitz - Trumpet
Rob Opitz is an artist-in-residence in jazz trumpet at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. In addition to his duties at Kennesaw, he is a busy performer, clinician, and educator. Rob is the founder and director of the Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Rob performs regularly throughout the Southeast and Midwest. He is sought after as a trumpet artist, educator, clinician, and adjudicator. Rob has appeared as a sideman with the following musicians: Tito Puente, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Dennis Edwards and the Temptations Review, Under the Streetlamp, Claudio Roditi, Diane Schuur, Yacht Rock Revue, and many more.
Rob is thrilled to be a member of A1A and looks forward to appearing in person at a venue near you! Locally, he appears regularly with artists such as Orquesta MaCuba, the Joe Gransden Big Band, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Jazz Ensemble, Gwen Hughes, Kingsized, US Beat, Atlanta Beat, Rupert's Orchestra, and many more. Rob can be heard playing trumpet on recordings of Scooter Lee, The Rhythm Jets, Michael J. Thomas, Yacht Rock Revue, Chris Blackwell, and many more.
